Exercise equipment

ABSTRACT

An exercise device includes: a step housing structured to support the weight of a user; one or more cables at least partially contained within the step housing; a variable resistance mechanism controlling resistance applied to the one or more cables; and a panel comprising a substantially planar member with a first broad face, the substantially planar member attached to the housing, the panel having a deployed position in which the first broad face of the panel is spaced apart from the housing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to sporting equipment, and more particularly toexercise equipment.

BACKGROUND

A number of exercise devices are currently used by a wide range of usersfor a variety of intended results. Conventional exercise methodspracticed to obtain a full body workout typically involve using multipledevices to perform multiple exercises. In order to use such a variety ofdevices to obtain a full body workout, users generally incur largeinvestment expenses or pay high membership fees to gyms.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, exercise devices include: a step housing structured tosupport the weight of a user; one or more cables at least partiallycontained within the step housing; a variable resistance mechanismcontrolling resistance applied to the one or more cables; and a panelcomprising a substantially planar member with a first broad face, thesubstantially planar member attached to the housing, the panel having adeployed position in which the first broad face of the panel is spacedapart from the housing. Embodiments can include one or more of thefollowing features.

In some embodiments, the one or more panels are disposed substantiallyflat along a plane parallel to a top or bottom surface of the stephousing when the panel is in the deployed position.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more panels is disposedat an angle of 70 degrees to 110 degrees from a top surface of the stephousing to position a top surface of the step housing at a non-parallelangle with respect to a ground surface when the panels are in thedeployed position.

In some embodiments, the device includes at least two panels and a firstof the at least two panels is disposed on a first side of the stephousing and a second of the at least two panels is disposed on a secondside of the step housing, disposed at an angle of 70 degrees to 110degrees from a top surface of the step housing to position a top surfaceof the step housing at an elevated height position that is substantiallyparallel to its original position when the panels are in the deployedposition.

In some embodiments, devices also include a carrying handle attached tothe step housing.

In some embodiments, the variable resistance mechanism includes one ormore rotating devices to apply resistance to the cables.

In some embodiments, the variable resistance mechanism applies 0 to 15lbs of resistive force to the one or more cables.

In some embodiments, devices also include a resistance selectorconnected to the variable resistance mechanism to change the resistiveforce applied to the one or more cables.

In some embodiments, the variable resistance mechanism applies differentamounts resistive forces to different cables.

In some embodiments, the one or more cables pass through openings on atop surface of the step housing.

In some embodiments, the device also includes a translating mechanism toelevate a top surface of the step housing.

In some embodiments, the step housing and the panel comprise ananti-slip surface.

In some embodiments, the one or more cables include cable handles. Insome cases, multiple cables are connected to one cable handle.

In some embodiments, the step housing comprises recessed portions toreceive the one or more cables. In some cases, devices also includecable retaining mechanisms to secure the cable to inside the recessedportions.

In some embodiments, devices also include a closure mechanism to securethe panel to the step housing.

In some embodiments, a resistance trainer as described can provide aversatile piece of exercise equipment that can be compact and easy totransport and store. The resistance trainer can include features andmechanisms that allow a user to carry the resistance trainer to variouslocations in a stowed state. Once in a desired location, the resistancetrainer can then be deployed for use to perform a wide variety ofexercises.

In some embodiments, the resistance trainer can reduce or eliminate auser's need to purchase and main large amounts of exercise equipment byproviding the user with the ability to perform many exercises with onlyone piece of equipment.

In some embodiments, the resistance trainer includes a mat in the formof multiple panels that use the user's weight to hold the device inplace during use and to maintain contact with a ground surface on whichthe device is used.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of resistance trainer ina deployed position.

FIG. 1B is a cutaway perspective view of the resistance trainer of FIG.1A.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the resistance trainer of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a cross sectional side view of the resistance trainer of FIG.1A.

FIG. 1E is a cross sectional front view of a step housing of theresistance trainer of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the resistance trainer of 1A in adeployed position with the step housing in an elevated position.

FIG. 1G is a cross sectional side view of the resistance trainer of FIG.1A with the step housing in an elevated position.

FIG. 1H is a cross sectional front view of a step housing of theresistance trainer of FIG. 1A with the step housing in an elevatedposition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a resistance trainer in a deployedposition.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a resistance trainer in an inclined deployedposition.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a resistance trainer in an elevated deployedposition.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a resistance trainer in a stowedposition.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a resistance trainer in a stowed position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a variable resistance mechanism.

FIGS. 8A-8E are schematic views of exercises being performed usingexamples of a resistance trainer.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A resistance trainer can provide a versatile piece of exercise equipmentthat can be compact and easy to transport and store. The resistancetrainer can include features and mechanisms that allow a user to carrythe resistance trainer to various locations in a stowed state. Once in adesired location, the resistance trainer can then be deployed for use toperform a wide variety of exercises.

The resistance trainer can reduce or eliminate a user's need to purchaseand main large amounts of exercise equipment by providing the user withthe ability to perform many exercises with only one piece of equipment.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1H, a resistance trainer 21 includes a step housing23, one or more cables 25, a variable resistance mechanism 27, and oneor more panels 29.

Step Housing

The step housing 23 acts as a structural chassis for mounting andprotecting some of the other components (e.g., cables 25, variableresistance mechanism 27 and/or panels 29) of the resistance trainer 21.

The step housing 23 is a multi-piece component having a base 23 a and astep shell 23 b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1F-1H, the stephousing 23 includes a translating slide 23 c that allows the step shell23 b to slide up and down to an elevated height and a step lock 23 dthat secures the step shell at the elevated height. Other approaches areimplemented in some resistance trainers. In some embodiments, thetranslating slide 23 c includes various types of mechanical orelectromechanical devices such as slides, actuators (linear orrotational), gear systems, leadscrew systems, or similar devices.However, not all step housings 23 are multi-piece components includingseparate base 23 a and step shell 23 b components. In some embodiments,the step housing 23 is a single molded or machined component.

The size and shape of the step housing 23 can depend on the targeted enduser's requirements. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1H, the step housing 23 issubstantially rectangular shaped, and approximately 40 to 50 inches(e.g., 46 inches) wide, 4 to 10 inches (e.g., 5 inches) high, and 10 to20 inches (e.g., 15 inches) deep. The step housing can be expected tosupport a wide range of users and can typically support the weight of auser ranging up to 250 lbs during use. In some embodiments, the stephousing is larger or smaller than the illustrated embodiment. In someembodiments, the step housing is 15 to 60 inches (e.g., 30 inches) wide,1 to 20 inches (e.g., 3 inches) high, and 6 to 30 inches (e.g., 12inches) deep

In some embodiments, the step housing 23 is formed to have an outerprofile shape substantially similar to a suitcase on at least one side,such that if carried by a user, the resistance trainer could be carriedwithout undue levels of effort and/or discomfort.

The step housing 23 can be formed by various material forming processes(e.g., molding, machining, and welding) using various materials. In theillustrated embodiment, the step housing base 23 a is made of metalmaterials and the step shell 23 b is made of plastic materials. In someembodiments, the step housing is made of other materials such asplastics (e.g., thermoset or thermoplastics), metal materials (e.g.,aluminum alloys or steels), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass orcarbon fiber), or a combination of such materials.

Since users sometimes stand on the step housing 23 during use, the stephousing 23 can include features or properties to decrease the likelihoodthat a user could slip on the step housing 23 during use. Theillustrated embodiment includes non-skid tape applied to upper surfacesof the step housing 23. Some embodiments include certain 3-dimentionalsurface profiles applied to the step housing such as a waffle surface,diamond plate-style surfaces, or the surface can have ridges or similarfeatures and/or slip-resistant surface coatings such as a rubberizedsurface or a slip-resistant sand paper-type type surface. However, notall step housings include such slip-resistant features and/or materials.

The step housing 23 includes a retractable carrying handle 31 attachedto one of the outer surfaces of the step housing 23. In the illustratedembodiment, the carrying handle 31 is attached to the step housing 23 byhinges and the step housing defines a recessed portion in which thecarrying handle 31 is stored (e.g., folded down into) during use of theresistance trainer. In some embodiments, the carrying handle 31 isattached to the step housing 23 using others devices such as, forexample, slide mechanisms. Although the illustrated embodiment includesa carry handle 31, not all resistance trainers 21 include a carryinghandle 31.

As discussed in greater detail below, the cables 25 and the variableresistance mechanism 27 are housed inside of the step housing 23, andthe step housing 23 includes holes through its top surface to allow thecables 25 to pass through during use. Holes are positioned on the topsurface of the step shell 23 b so that the step shell 23 b can beelevated from the base 23 a without having to reposition the cables 25exiting the step housing 23 due to cable interference.

As shown, the step housing 23 includes recessed portions 33 to accept orto provide storage regions for cable handles 35 that are attached to thecables 25. The recessed portions 33 are positioned near, or extendinginto the holes disposed along step housing surfaces through which cables25 pass. In some embodiments, the step housing 23 includes one or morehandle retaining mechanisms, such as clips or folding/sliding doors thatconceal, partially cover, or otherwise prevent the cable handles 35 frombeing inadvertently pulled from the step housing 23 while the resistancetrainer is not in use. Alternatively, using handle retaining mechanisms,a portion of the cable handles 35 (e.g., one cable 25 and cable handle35 of a resistance trainer having two sets of cables and handle) can besecured during use to perform particular exercises where it can bedesired to pull only one cable (e.g., a one arm curl or a legextension).

As discussed above, the resistance trainer 21 has a compact, stowedstate that increases the ease with which a user can carry or store theresistance trainer. In the stowed state, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,panels 29 are in a stowed position that can typically be defined as aposition in which a broad face of a panel is positioned along a surface(e.g., the bottom surface) of the step housing. Then when a user isready to use the resistance trainer 21, it can be deployed to a deployedstate for use. In the deployed state, panels 29 are in one or moredeployed positions that can typically be defined as a position in whichthe broad faces of the panel is spaced apart from the step housing.

Deployment Mechanism

As shown in FIG. 1A, in a deployed state, the resistance trainer 21 hastwo panels 29 deployed to provide a standing and/or seating surface onwhich the user can perform various exercises. In order to move, rotate,and/or translate the panels 29 from a stowed state to a deployed state,the resistance trainer 21 includes a deployment mechanism 37. In theillustrated embodiment, the deployment mechanism 37 includes multiplehinges that connect the panels 29 to each other and to connect thepanels 29 to the step housing 23. The hinges and/or panels 29 includefeatures that prevent the hinges from rotating beyond the desireddeployed position (e.g., such features allow a user to stand or sit on apanel 29 and pull on the cables without lifting the step housing 23 oranother panel 29 off of the ground).

The deployment mechanism 37 can be of various types depending on severalfactors such as the size of the resistance trainer, the types ofmaterials chosen for the step housing 23 or the panels 29, the number ofpanels 29 included, and the types of exercises desired by a user (e.g.,the deployment mechanism can influence the types of positions in whichthe resistance trainer can be used). In some embodiments, the deploymentmechanism 37 includes one or more of several types of devices to deploypanels such as hinges (e.g., standard rotating hinges or accordion stylehinges), slide devices, actuator devices, cam devices, or a combinationof multiple types of devices.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the resistance trainer 21includes more than one panel 29 (e.g., two panels 29 on each side of thestep housing 23) to provide the user with greater options of exercisesto perform. In such embodiments, the resistance trainer 21 includes onedeployment mechanisms 37 to deploy the multiple panels 29 (e.g., onehinge, slide, or similar mechanism used to deploy all of the appropriatepanels for the exercise). Alternatively, some embodiments includeindividual deployment mechanisms 37 for each panel 29 included in theresistance trainer 21 (e.g., each panel is attached to an individualhinge or slide).

In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 29 are deployed by a usermanually by unfolding the panels 29 from underneath the step housing 23.In some embodiments, the deployment mechanism 37 is operated bymechanical means (e.g., a mechanical release button or lever) or byelectromechanical means (e.g., an electrical switch) that release thedeployment mechanism 37 to move the panels from the stowed position tothe deployed position.

To facilitate the set-up, the deployment mechanism 37 of some resistancetrainers 21 is designed such that the resistance trainer 21 can beplaced on a ground surface and automatically deployed the appropriatepanel configuration needed for the user to perform a desired exercise(i.e., instead of the user having lift or turn over the resistancetrainer to manually deploy the panels and then place the resistancetrainer in the location of use).

In addition to deploying all of the panels 29 at once as describedabove, in some embodiments, the resistance trainer 21 is designed such auser can selective deploy one or more particular panels 29 needed toperform particular exercises. Such selective deployment of panels 29 canalso be used in environments where the user does not have ample floorspace to deploy all of the panels 29, but would still like to use theresistance trainer 21 for perform some exercises.

Although FIGS. 1A-1H show the panels 29 deployed straight outward fromthe resistance trainer 21 (e.g., along the same plane as the bottomsurface of the step housing), other deployed positions are possible. Asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the panels 29 are deployedto multiple positions relative to the step housing 23 (e.g., pointeddownward perpendicular from the bottom surface of the step housing or ata non-perpendicular or parallel angle from the bottom surface of thestep housing), as will be discussed in greater detail below with regardsto FIGS. 3 and 4. In such embodiments, the deployment mechanism 37 hasfeatures to lock or secure the panels 29 in various deployed positions.

Panels

As discussed above, the resistance trainer 21 includes panels 29 thatare deployed to provide a platform for a user. The panels 29 are broadmembers made of, for example, as plastics (e.g., thermoset andthermoplastics). In some embodiments, panels are made of various othermaterials, metal materials (e.g., aluminum alloys, steels), compositematerials (e.g., fiberglass or carbon fiber), or a combination of suchmaterials.

Similar to the surface of the step housing 23, the panels 29 provide astanding and/or seating surface for a user and therefore includefeatures or properties to decrease the likelihood that a user could slipduring use. The illustrated embodiment includes non-skid tape applied toupper surfaces of the panels 29. Some embodiments include certain3-dimentional surface profiles applied to the panels 29, such as awaffle-like surface, diamond plate-style surfaces, or the surface canhave ridges or similar features and/or slip-resistant surface coatingssuch as a rubberized surface, a slip resistance sand paper-type typesurface. However, not all panels include such features.

The bottom surface of the panels 29 (e.g., the surface that is typicallyin contact with a ground surface during use) also includesslip-resistant features in the form of non-skid tape. Such featuresensure that when a user stands on a panel 29, the panel 29 typicallydoes not substantially move or slide around during use. However, someembodiments do not include a surface treatment on the lower side of thepanels 29 and the user's weight provides sufficient force to preventsliding of the panels 29.

As discussed above, the panels 29 are stowed for various reasons (e.g.,to make the resistance trainer easier to transport and/or store).Therefore, in some embodiments, one or more of the panels 29 includes aclosure mechanism 45 to secure the panels 29 to each other, and in somecases to secure the panels 29 to the step housing 23 while the panels 29are in a stowed position. The closure mechanism 45 can include, forexample, a magnetic or mechanical clamp in or attached to the end panel29 and operable to secure the panels 29 to the step housing 23. In someembodiments, the closure mechanism 45 includes various types of devices,such as clasps, latches, magnetic contacts, or similar devices.

As discussed above with regards to the deployment mechanism 37, in someembodiments, the panels 29 include features to prevent panels 29 fromrotating or extending beyond desired deployed positions. In somedeployed positions the step housing 23 and some of the panels 29 can beelevated from the ground surface (e.g., in an inclined deployedposition), and thus the panels include additional support to maintaincorrect alignment for a particular deployed position. For example, inembodiments where the panels 29 are connected with hinges, features suchas recessed portion or overlapping panel portions can be included toprovide force from one panel to an adjacent panel to keep the panelssubstantially flat along a common plane. In some embodiments, the panelsdo not include such features and the deployment mechanism 37 holds thepanels 29 and step housing 23 in the desired deployed position withoutadditional features included on the panels 29.

Cables

To perform various exercises, the resistance trainer 21 includes twocables 25 that provide resistance when pulled by a user. Someembodiments include more of fewer cables (e.g., one, three, four, etc.),depending on the intended use and the possible exercises desired.Depending on the use requirements, the cables 25 can include manydifferent types of materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the cablesare connected to the variable resistance device 27.

In some embodiments, the cables include other materials that do notsubstantially stretch when pulled during exercise use (e.g., metalcables, PVC or plastic coated metal cables, ropes, cords, or similarcables) that are used in the same manner discussed above (e.g., thecable are attached to a variable resistance mechanism).

Some embodiments include cables that substantially stretch when pulledduring exercise use (e.g., resistance exercise stretch cables, bungeecord, or similar cable types) that are mounted to a fixed positionwithin the step housing. In such embodiments, the user can pull on thecables 25 to feel resistance from the cables throughout the range ofmotion of the exercise instead of utilizing a variable resistancemechanism.

Cable Handles

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1H, the resistance trainer 21 include cable handles35 in the form of D-shaped handles that are attached to the cables 25 toallow a user to grip and pull each cable 25 with one hand. The D-shapedhandles 35 are foam-covered plastic handles.

Since the resistance trainer 21 can typically be used to perform manytypes of exercises (e.g., leg exercise, core exercises, and/orarms/upper body exercises) using one or more combinations of limbs(e.g., one hand, one leg, two hands, or similar combination), theresistance trainer 21 can include other types of cable handles 35 topermit a user to perform the various exercises. Handles to be typicallygripped by one hand include a round handle, a rectangular handle, aD-shaped handle, or a similar handle. Handles to be typically gripped bytwo hands include a machine bar, a double D-shaped handle, a triceppressdown bar, a tricep rope, a pro-style bar, or similar handles.Handles to typically receive a user's foot during leg exercises includehandles in the form of nylon straps, D-shaped loops for feet, or similarhandles.

Although the cable handles 35 in the illustrated embodiment arepermanently attached to the cables 25, in some embodiments, the cablehandles 35 are temporarily attached to the cable 25 to perform exercisesand then changed to attach a different type of cable handle 35 to thecable 25 to perform a different type of the exercise. To temporarilyattach the cable handles 35 to the cables 25, the cables 25 and/or thecable handles 35 include attachment mechanisms (e.g., latches orcarabiners-type devices) to which different cable handles 35 can beattached at different times.

To provide additional versatility during use, in some embodiments, acable handle 35 attaches to more than one cable 25 so that during usethe user can utilize the resistance of both cables during an exercise.

Variable Resistance Mechanism

To allow a user to apply different levels of resistance to the cables 25during use, the variable resistance mechanism 27 is provided with theresistance trainer 21. The variable resistance mechanism 27 ispositioned within the step housing 23 and has connections to which thecables 25 are attached. As shown in FIG. 7, the variable resistancemechanism 27 is in the form of two flywheels 39 positioned inside thestep housing 23. Each flywheel is mounted to an axle or pivot 41 andincludes a surface around which a cable 25 is wound.

Each flywheel includes a re-coil mechanism 43 so that when the cable 25is released by a user, the flywheel 39 rotates to wind the cable 25around the flywheel 39. To rotate the flywheel and retract the cable,the re-coil mechanism 43 includes resilient members.

The variable resistance mechanism 27 includes a resistance selector 47used to adjust the resistance provided to the cables 27 by the variableresistance mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the resistanceselector 47 has 10 settings that can provide up to 15 pounds ofresistive forces to the cables when pulled. In some embodiments, theresistance to the cables 25 is adjusted using various devices such asvariable spring devices connected to the flywheels 39 and/or the re-coilmechanisms 27 to vary the torque required to rotate the flywheel 39and/or the re-coil mechanisms 27 during use. In some embodiments, theresistance to the cables is adjusted using several mechanical means(e.g., gears, adjustable spring, or other devices) or electromechanicalmeans (e.g., electromagnetic motors).

The degree of adjustment and number of different resistance levelsincluded by the variable resistance mechanism 27 can depend on theintended use. In some embodiments, the variable resistance mechanism 27has a discrete number of different resistance settings, such as a highresistance setting and a low resistance setting or a number of differentsettings (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. settings) that provideincreasing amounts of resistance. In other embodiments, the variableresistance mechanism 27 includes a continuous range of resistancesettings. In some cases, different resistance settings are associatedwith particular weights (e.g., to simulate lifting a certain weight).

In some embodiments, the flywheels 39 included in the resistance trainer21 are operated independent from each other to provide a user withgreater control over desired exercises. In some embodiments,independently operating flywheels 39 have separate resistance selectors47 such that a cable 25 connected to one flywheel 39 can have adifferent resistive force than a cable 25 connected to another flywheel39.

In some embodiments, flywheels 39 are connected or linked together suchthat the same force is applied to the cables 25 connected to each of theflywheels 39 and the cables 25 travel the same distance when pulled.

Alternatively or in addition to using flywheels 39, in some embodiments,the variable resistance mechanism includes a system of different sizedpulleys (e.g., to apply different levels of resistance) around which thecables travel to rotate the pulleys. In such embodiments, the variableresistance mechanism 27 includes a device to move a cable from onepulley to another pulley, such as derailleur-type device.

Different Deployment Positions

FIG. 3 shows an example of a resistance trainer 21 in an inclineddeployed position. As shown, panels 29 on one side of the step housing23 are deployed outward laterally from the step housing 23 such that thepanels are substantially co-planar with a top and/or bottom surface ofthe step housing. The panels 29 on the other side step housing 23 aredeployed downward from the step housing 23 such that they aresubstantially perpendicular to either the top surface of the stephousing or a ground surface and therefore the resistance trainer 21 ispositioned at an incline with respect to the ground surface.

FIG. 4 shows the resistance trainer 21 deployed in an elevated position.As shown, panels 29 on both sides of the step housing 23 are deployeddownward, away from a bottom surface of the step housing (e.g., to besubstantially perpendicular to a top surface of the step housing) toelevate the step housing 23 from a ground surface.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the resistance trainer 21 in a stowed position. Inthe stowed position, panels 29 are retracted so that the resistancetrainer 21 can be carried and/or stored more easily by a user. As shownin the illustrated embodiment, in a stowed position, panels 29 fold tooverlap one another (e.g., a broad face of one panel is in contact witha broad face of another panel). In embodiments where the resistancetrainer 21 includes smaller panels 29, in a stowed position, panels 29are folded inward from both sides of the step housing 23 to bepositioned end to end from one another.

For added transportation capabilities, in some embodiments, theresistance trainer 21 with the panels in a stowed position is sizedappropriately to meet various requirements to be brought onto anairplane, such as “carry-on” luggage size requirements (e.g., thecurrent maximum size carry-on bag for most airlines is 45 linear inches(the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag cannot exceed 45inches)).

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the resistance trainer 21includes a closure mechanism 45 to secure the panels 29 to the stephousing 23 when in a stowed position.

Exemplary Exercises

FIGS. 8A-8E show several examples of exercises that can be performedusing the resistance trainer. Due to the wide variety of components andfeatures included in different embodiments of the resistance trainer(e.g., the number of panels included and the way in which they can bedeployed), many different types of exercises can be performed using theresistance trainer.

FIG. 8A shows a schematic view of a user 49 performing a chest flyexercise. While performing such an exercise, the user 49 stands on oneor more deployed panels 29 with their back facing the step housing 23and pull the cables 25 forward. As discussed above, in some embodiments,the user 49 need not stand directly on the step housing 23 during use tokeep the step housing 23 in place during use.

FIG. 8B shows a schematic view of a user 49 performing a lunge curlexercise. While performing such an exercise, the user 49 stands with onefoot on a deployed panel 29 and the other foot on the step housing 23and simulate walking lunge motions while pulling on the cables 25.

FIG. 8C shows a schematic view of a user 49 performing a straddle squatexercise. While performing such an exercise, the user 49 stands with onefoot on a deployed panel 29 on one side of the step housing 23 and theother foot on a deployed panel 29 on the other side of the step housing23. To perform the exercise, the user 49 squats down to grab one or bothcables 25 between their legs stand upward to pull the cables 25.

FIG. 8D shows a schematic view of a user 49 performing a seated rowexercise. During such an exercise the user 49 sits on a deployed panel29 and places their feet on the step housing 23 and/or another panel 29connected to the step housing 23. To perform the exercise, the user 49leans forward to grab cables 25 and lean backward while pulling thecables 25.

FIG. 8E shows a schematic view of a user 49 performing a wood chopexercise. To perform such an exercise, the user 49 stands with one footon a first deployed panel 29 connected to the step housing 23 and theother foot on a second deployed panel 29 extending from the first panel29, such that the step housing 23 is to the user's side. The user thenrotates their upper body toward the step housing 23 to grasp a cablehandle 25 and rotates their upper body away from the step housing 23(e.g., to simulate the motion of chopping wood).

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described inconjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoingdescription is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Otheraspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of thefollowing claims

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise device comprising: a step housingstructured to support the weight of a user; one or more cables at leastpartially contained within the step housing; a variable resistancemechanism controlling resistance applied to the one or more cables; anda panel comprising a substantially planar member with a first broadface, the substantially planar member attached to the housing, the panelhaving a deployed position in which the first broad face of the panel isspaced apart from the housing.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1,wherein the one or more panels are disposed substantially flat along aplane parallel to a top or bottom surface of the step housing when thepanel is in the deployed position.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1,wherein at least one of the one or more panels is disposed at an angleof 70 degrees to 110 degrees from a top surface of the step housing toposition a top surface of the step housing at a non-parallel angle withrespect to a ground surface when the panels are in the deployedposition.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the device includesat least two panels and a first of the at least two panels is disposedon a first side of the step housing and a second of the at least twopanels is disposed on a second side of the step housing, disposed at anangle of 70 degrees to 110 degrees from a top surface of the stephousing to position a top surface of the step housing at an elevatedheight position that is substantially parallel to its original positionwhen the panels are in the deployed position.
 5. The exercise device ofclaim 1, further comprising a carrying handle attached to the stephousing.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the variableresistance mechanism includes one or more rotating devices to applyresistance to the cables.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein thevariable resistance mechanism applies 0 to 15 lbs of resistive force tothe one or more cables.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1, furthercomprising a resistance selector connected to the variable resistancemechanism to change the resistive force applied to the one or morecables.
 9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the variableresistance mechanism applies different amounts resistive forces todifferent cables.
 10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the one ormore cables pass through openings on a top surface of the step housing.11. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a translatingmechanism to elevate a top surface of the step housing.
 12. The exercisedevice of claim 1, wherein the step housing and the panel comprise ananti-slip surface.
 13. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the oneor more cables include cable handles.
 14. The exercise device of claim13, wherein multiple cables are connected to one cable handle.
 15. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the step housing comprises recessedportions to receive the one or more cables.
 16. The exercise device ofclaim 15, further comprising cable retaining mechanisms to secure thecable to inside the recessed portions.
 17. The exercise device of claim1, further comprising a closure mechanism to secure the panel to thestep housing.